Ch. 1..10

: Return of the Cute Baby Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio It was a cold, dark night. Mary Hanks had been thrown into an abandoned chemical processing plant. Sandra White stood in front of her with a sweet smile on her face. “Mary, you can only blame yourself. You insisted on staying with the Gastons and clinging to him…” Darkness surrounded them. Sandra placed a hand on her wound and said innocently, “Max will happily welcome our child into this world after you die… Let me tell you a big secret. The people who killed your parents back then were…” “No!” … “Mum, Mum, wake up!” The worried voice of a child rang in Mary’s ears. A small pair of hands were holding onto Mary’s, finally waking her up from the nightmare. She had just opened her eyes and was still catching her breath. Her beautiful face was pale. She could still feel a wave of pain engulfing her heart. The dream had felt too real! It was so realistic that every cell in her body was still rejecting the pain and hatred from the incident that had happened 5 year ago. Sensing the odd gazes from the other passengers that were directed towards her, Mary took a few deep breaths to collect herself. She then consoled the young child who was staring at her, “Jason, Mum’s fine. Don’t worry.” “Mum, you had a nightmare.” Jason Hanks felt sorry for his mother. The pity was clearly reflected in his large, beautiful eyes. Despite being little, he hugged Mary with all his strength. He said with determination, “Mum, I’m already four years old. I can protect you.” Mary held back her tears. There was a tinge of warmth in her heart as she said, “Yes, I know. You are a good boy, Jason. Let’s sleep for a little longer.” Jason nodded and gently stroked Mary, just like how she would comfort him. “Mum, I’ll sleep for just a while,” he said as he laid on her lap, and soon fell asleep. It was still deep into the night outside the cabin of the plane. Mary did not dare to go back to sleep. She was afraid that the nightmare she just had would continue. She had always harbored a particular thought for the past five years: Would she not have been in this much agony if she had not gone with the Gastons back then? She was once the daughter of a rich family and was doted on by her parents. However, it all changed when she was eight. A car accident took her beloved father away from her. Her mother killed herself in front of her father’s grave the very next night. Just like that, she became an orphan – helpless and with no one to depend on. Max Gaston, who had been 14, crouched down in front of her and asked her if she would like to follow him home. She remembered what her mother told her… She nodded. Ten years passed. Max became her closest kin. However, something completely unexpected happened. On her 18th birthday, Max, who had been the target of a plot, shouted her name in a daze and said that he was going to take responsibility for his actions toward her. She did not know how to face Max back then. She took advantage of the fact that Max had passed out from losing too much blood and ran out of the hotel after calling for the ambulance. She did not return home that night. The next day, Mrs. Gaston called her and told her that Max was in the hospital. She rushed to the ward. She saw Sandra White there, where her very presence seemed to mock her foolishness. Her blood ran cold. She felt as though she was the greatest laughing stock in the world. Two months later. As Mary was leaving to the hospital after her checkup, she bumped into Sandra, who was accompanied by Max. Sandra had a wide smile on her face as she stood beside Max. Mary took a deep breath. She had been making preparations during the past five years for this day. … Half a day later. At Sheares Airport. Mary tugged Jason, who was sitting on their luggage, along and walked through the security check. Priscilla Johnson, who was standing amongst the crowd, immediately recognized the eye-catching combination of this beautiful lady and a young, adorable boy. She ran over and hugged Mary tightly. Sounding a little choked, she said, “Mary, you’re finally back.” Mary’s heart warmed. Tears welled up in her eyes. She said softly after they let go of each other, “I’ll go visit Paul in the afternoon.” Priscilla wanted to say something but stopped herself. She simply nodded gratefully, “Alright.” Two days ago. Mary had received a message from Paul Johnson’s wife, Rebecca Yelton, that read, “Mary, Paul has been taken away by the police. He nearly killed Max Gaston… Paul told me not to tell you, but I cannot let my baby be fatherless from birth like Jason. Mary, I’ll tell Max the truth if you don’t come back!” Paul and Priscilla were siblings. They had grown up with Mary and regarded her as their sister. Their parents were once the capable assistants of Mary’s father. The accident that killed Mary’s father back then had also killed their parents. Mary would have come back immediately when she got the news even without Rebecca threatening her. The Johnson siblings, just like her, were orphans. In the car, four-year-old Jason looked out of the window throughout the journey. He was brimming with curiosity. He exclaimed in shock when the car drove past a mall, “Aunt Priscilla, stop the car! Stop!” “What happened, Jason?” Priscilla slowed down and steered the car toward the side of the road. Mary had not been paying attention. She knitted her brows, having been pulled back to reality by Jason’s voice. She lowered her voice and said, “Jason, you can’t shout for the car to stop just because you want to. That’ll distract Aunt Priscilla. It’s very dangerous.” “Mum, can we head back a little? To the mall.” Jason’s face was scrunched up with concern. He continued, “I saw a man in a suit on the big screen just now. He has done plastic surgery, and looks exactly like me. Mum, is there a patent for my face?” Mary’s heart thumped. Her mind instantly blanked. A person who looked exactly like Jason had appeared on the big screen. Who else could it be other than that man? The coincidental encounter had come like a tornado, catching her off guard. Mary pursed her lips and said with feigned anger, “I’ll really get angry if you continue to spout nonsense.” “I wasn’t spouting nonsense. There was a woman in a wedding gown beside him. I saw it very clearly!” Jason sulked, indignance written all over his childish face. Mary had told him that his father was an orphan and had died young. Thus, the person who looked exactly like him must have undergone plastic surgery. That man had to pay him for using his face. His bank account could afford to be topped up, and that man seemed to be very rich. Jason had to find out who he was. At the front of the car, Priscilla’s expression changed slightly. She had suddenly remembered something. Max and Sandra’s wedding was set for next month — on the ninth of September! They had just announced the date of their wedding a few days ago and it had been trending on all major websites. Countless online comments said that their belief in true love rekindled when they saw the couple. Their wedding photos had been broadcasting on screens throughout the city today. It was no wonder that Jason would come across them.

Chapter 2: Reunion at the Hospital Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio Sheares. On the top floor of the richest company, the Gaston Group. The atmosphere in the massive meeting room was suffocating. Their CEO was in a very bad mood. The managers of the respective departments who were presenting their reports tread carefully, afraid that they would say something wrong. However, there would always be someone who was unaffected. There was a sudden knock on the door halfway through the meeting. The people in the room looked toward the handsome, imposing man at the head of the table. They silently mourned for the person knocking on the door. “No matter who he is, tell him to scram.” Max Gaston instructed his secretary. “Understood, Mr. Gaston.” The chief secretary left his seat and went to open the door. The person standing outside was the CEO’s personal assistant, Matthew Smith. “I have a very important matter to report to the CEO.” Matthew had heard what Max said through the door, yet was boldly trying to slip into the room. The secretary could not stop him. The meeting room instantly became deathly silent. The air around Max grew cold. Everyone held their breath. They all looked on as Matthew walked toward to his death. Matthew was a little too committed to his job. “Mr. Gaston.” Matthew was very careful. Max leaned back on his chair. He looked at Matthew with an icy gaze, “What you’re about to say had better be really important.” If not, Max would have Matthew thrown out at once. Matthew quietly inhaled. He mustered his courage and said, “Ms. White fell and hurt her leg while she was filming. She’s being sent to the hospital as we speak.” “Is it broken?” Max’s cold, deep voice was suffocating. Matthew wanted to run but his legs would not move. Sweat was running down his back. He summoned up his courage and explained, “We’re not sure yet, but Ms. White is in a very bad mood. She says that she will undergo the surgery only after she sees you.” “You’re bothering me over such a trivial matter? Scram! You’re fired if you try this again!” After he spoke, Max shifted his gaze away from Matthew and toward the rest of the people in the room, “Continue with the meeting!” Matthew wiped the sweat off his forehead. He softly muttered, “Understood,” and left the meeting room. In a high-end district in Sheares. In front of a full length window on the 26th floor. A slender woman looked melancholically at the villa opposite. That used to be the Hanks’s property. It contained all of her childhood joy. It had been ten years since she left when she was eight. She had only returned once on the night she turned 18. The keys to the villa were in the hands of that man. She had once asked her friend to help her purchase the villa. However, she was told that that the man was not willing to sell the villa . “Mary.” Priscilla Johnson’s voice came from behind her. Mary retracted her gaze and looked toward Priscilla who was walking over. She said, her tone gentle, “Priscilla, look after Jason for me in the afternoon. I’ll head over to the hospital before going to the police station. It’ll be inconvenient for me if he comes along.” Priscilla nodded, “Mary, don’t worry. I’ll take good care of Jason.” She looked down for a moment. She then looked up at Mary’s exquisite facial features once again. She said, a little hesitant, “Mary, don’t take the nasty things that my sister-in-law says to heart. Just ignore her.” Rebecca Yelton had been too agitated when Paul Johnson was brought away by the police and sent to the hospital. Mary smiled, “Don’t worry, I won’t hold it against a pregnant woman.” Rebecca loved John deeply. However, she was paranoid. She always thought that every girl in the world was out to snatch John away from her. She was especially on guard against Mary who was beautiful and had an exceptional disposition. Two-thirty in the afternoon. Mary arrived at the hospital and stayed in Rebecca’s ward for half an hour before she left. She daydreamed while she was waiting for the elevator. When the elevator doors opened, someone asked her if she was going to take it. Only then did she come to her senses and walked in. There were only five people in the elevator. Someone moved to the back of the elevator when she entered. She stood at the front. They reached the first floor. Mary looked up as the elevator door opened. Her gaze froze. A man was standing outside the elevator. It was Max Gaston. There was nothing between them aside from the elevator door, which seemed to be opening in slow motion. Mary was flustered for a second but she forced herself to calm down. She remembered that she had her sunglasses on. She also looked different from her young and inexperienced high-school self five years ago. She secretly tightened her grip on her bag, then brought some of her hair to the front to cover the left side of her face. She pursed her lips and walked out of the elevator. Outside the elevator. Max instinctively swept his gaze across Mary. He only looked at her for a second before he nonchalantly shifted his gaze away. Without showing any emotion, he instructed Matthew, who was carrying a flower basket with him, “You head up first.” Matthew replied respectfully, “Understood.” He then asked, “Mr. Gaston, are you not heading up? What should I tell Ms. White if she asks?” Max ignored him. His phone rang. He whipped it out to have a look. It was Sandra White. He moved to the side and took the call. He spoke indifferently, “Hello.” Sandra’s tearful voice came from the other side of the line, “Max, boo hoo…” Mary walked past Max and toward the hospital’s exit. “Mr. Gaston, that woman looks like…” Matthew’s gaze followed Mary for several feet. He swallowed the words that he was about to say when he saw that Max was on the phone. Mary had vanished from this world five years ago. The police had found her phone and necklace outside the chemical processing plant in the outskirts where an explosion had happened. The police investigated the incident for a full month before telling them that she most likely had been a casualty of the explosion. How could a person who had been dead for five years appear again? Matthew shook his head and walked into the elevator with the flower basket in hand. He resigned to the fact that he was going to face Sandra’s ire. In the hospital’s parking lot. Mary did not drive away immediately. She leaned on the steering wheel and slowly calmed her agitation. She had thought that she was mentally prepared for this. However, that was not the case when their eyes met just now. She suddenly felt as though she could not breathe. She only managed to calm herself down after ten minutes. She unlocked her phone and began a search. She realized that Sandra had injured her leg while filming and had been admitted to this same hospital. She also found news regarding their passionate dates and marriage announcement. “After a 15-year-long relationship between a dedicated billionaire and beautiful actress, they have finally decided to tie the knot on September 9th,” the headlines wrote. It was truly an enduring love story! Mary tossed her phone onto the dashboard and fastened her seatbelt. She was just about to start her car when she heard a knock outside her window. She turned to look. Her heart stopped. The man standing outside her car was wearing a black shirt. He had handsome features and a noble disposition. He looked calm and distant. Mary could feel an immense pressure even through the glass. She took a deep breath and thought about Paul. She pursed her lips, then moved to open the door to the front passenger seat. The man bent over and entered the car. The car was filled with the overwhelming coldness that emanated from him. The atmosphere was oppressive. Max was the first to break the silence. He questioned, “Why did you suddenly disappear and create the illusion of having been killed in the explosion back then?” Mary bit her lips. A tinge of mockery flashed in her eyes. Her heart was overcome with waves of emotion. Ever since she knew that his parents were involved in the death of her parents, as well as the fact that her mother had a part to play in the incident she faced five years ago, all there was left between them was hatred.

Chapter 3: She Can Only Be Coaxed Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio Mary closed her eyes. A smile crept across her face as she said calmly, “I did not create an illusion. I was simply lucky to have escaped death.” “Mary.” Max’s expression became darker. The air around him turned even colder. He looked deep into her eyes and asked with a lowered tone, “What exactly happened that night? Where have you been all these years? Don’t you think that you owe me an explanation?” He had sent someone to investigate the car she was driving. The car was registered under Priscilla Johnson’s name. Mary had kept in contact with the Johnsons. Mary opened her eyes and looked straight into Max’s piercing gaze. Her gaze was innocent and pure, just like they always had been. She even addressed Max how she used to, “Max, I was in a coma for two years and only regained my memories a year ago.” His was shaken for moment. She was addressing him the way she had in the past. It sounded exactly like how she had called him during the ten years they spent together. However, there was no longer the sense of familiarity it once had. It now sounded foreign and hostile. Max observed Mary. She was no longer as young and inexperienced as she was five years ago. She had toned down her willfulness and recklessness. Now, there was a faint trace of tranquility within her gentle demeanor, as well as a little bit of…sexiness. Of course. She was already 23. She had already developed the beauty and charms of a woman. She seemed to be telling the truth. Max did not want to pursue the matter. He looked into her eyes and asked, “Where are you staying now?” “…” Mary blinked and continued to lie, “I’m staying with Priscilla.” “Move home. I’ve kept your room as it was. Someone cleans it every day.” Max adjusted his sitting position. He was no longer anxious to find out about how she spent the past five years. He had raised Mary for five years. He understood her temper well. She could not be forced. She could only be coaxed. Mary looked slightly surprised. She smiled once again and said, “Max, I saw in the news that you are about to get married. We are not biological siblings, so it’s not appropriate for me to go back. I will not return ever again.” “He knows that I’m not on good terms with Sandra,” she thought. “He wouldn’t insist on me going back if it will cause problems for his future wife, would he?” He went against her expectation. Max casually uttered, “If you are inconvenienced by my marriage, I’ll hold a press conference and postpone my marriage indefinitely. At least until… you have no issues with it.” “…” This man was insane. Mary was very startled. There was a trace of abnormality in her slightly raised voice, “Sandra White is the person who is going to spend the rest of your life with you.” “So what? Don’t forget. Back then, for whom did I agree to marry the Whites?” Max’s smile was cynical and cold. His smile was like a sharp blade. It accurately and gently pierced Mary’s heart. The memories of the past that Mary had sealed were forcefully extracted. Back then, Max had only been a 14-year-old teenager when he brought her home. He was not as powerful as he was now and could not protect her by himself. It might have been to honor the promise he had made to her mother… Max agreed to his parents’ request of marrying the Whites so that he could protect her. Ever since, Sandra’s life, as well as her own, became tied with his. Mary had always felt touched whenever she thought about how good Max had treated her. However, now, she finally knew the truth… She did not know how to describe what she was feeling. Max’s phone rang at this moment. It was Matthew Smith. He glanced at his phone and immediately hung up. He extended a hand toward Mary and said, “Your phone.” “What do you want?” Mary pulled herself out of her memories. Her brows were knitted, her eyes filled with caution. Max showed her his Facebook profile and said, “Add me.” “…” Mary bit her lips and looked at the profile on his phone. Rebecca’s words echoed in her ears, “Mary, Paul did not do it for himself. He did it to get revenge for your parents…” “You’re not even willing to give me your contact?” That man’s voice was low and calm, yet it was overbearing, and demanded obedience. It was just like the ten years she had spent with him. Mary shook her head to signal that she was willing. She took out her phone and added him. She was using a new account. There was no information on this. Max looked at her profile. He kept his phone, then said coldly, “Tonight, let’s have dinner together.” He then got off the car. … It was already 40 minutes later when Mary arrived at the police station. Her expression changed the moment she saw Paul. He had been beaten up very badly. He was limping on his left leg. His face was also swollen. It was a sorry sight. She did not know how many other wounds there were that she could not see. “Mary, why did you come back?” Paul’s gaze was a mixture of complicated emotions when he looked at Mary. He would have been very happy to see Mary if this were any other day. However, in such a situation, he did not want Mary to know the truth. He felt that it was too cruel. Mary gripped tightly onto the receiver. She stared at Paul for a few seconds, then asked, enunciating every syllable, “Paul, why did you hide it from me?” Paul let out a self-deprecating laugh. He tried to continue with the lie, “I just don’t like Max Gaston, that bast*rd.” It was technically not a lie. Five years ago, Paul had wanted to cripple Max when Mary was violated. “I already know the truth.” Mary’s expression darkened. Guilt washed over Paul’s face. He returned a question, “Did you come back alone? Did Jason come back with you?” “He did.” “Mary, why are you so foolish? You know how Jason looks like. He will be snatched away by the Gastons the moment he shows his face. Do you want to give him up to them?” Mary bit her lips. There was a cold glimmer in her eyes. Her voice was icy, “Paul, I’ve made the necessary preparations since I’ve come back. All you have to do is tell me what you know. This also involves my parents. As a daughter, I have to take revenge for them.” Paul hesitated for a few seconds. He said rigidly after weighing the pros and cons, “Your mother’s suicide is not as simple as it seems. She did not kill herself just in the name of love after your father died back then. She committed suicide because she had consumed a drug that confuses a person’s senses…” Mary slipped into a brief moment of silence after hearing Paul’s words. She remembered a gentle voice. “Mary, promise Mum that you’ll listen to Max in the future.” That was what her mother had told her before she died. Her mother had told her that while hugging her. “Mary, what’s wrong?” Paul looked at her worriedly. He was furious. The Gastons, that bast*rd Max Gaston. They were responsible for all of this. Paul did not know what motive Max had when he brought Mary home back then. Mary shook her head. Her voice was soft and calm, “I’m fine.” She had had a certain suspicion five years ago. It was just that she had not had the time to verify her suspicions. Later, Sandra had taken the initiative and revealed part of the truth when she thought that Mary was sure to die. However, Mary did not tell Paul about it as she had no evidence. She was afraid that Paul would be reckless. Unexpectedly, Paul’s investigations still led him to the Gastons. This enmity was between her parents and the Gastons. Paul’s parents had been implicated. She should be the one to take revenge. Furthermore, she had been working hard on this goal over the past five years. However, the most important thing to do at the moment was to get Paul out of the station.

Chapter 4: Getting Max to Free Paul Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio At the Gaston Group. Matthew returned to the office nearing the end of the workday. He reported the situation to Max, “Mr. Gaston, Ms. White has a slight fracture in her leg. The doctor says that she has to rest for three months.” Behind the office table, Max’s gaze was distant and cold. He did not speak. Matthew stood in the office, waiting for instructions on what to do next. A moment passed. Max instructed, “Go and investigate this for me. When did Mary come back to Sheares? Where had she been staying the past few years?” “Mr. Gaston, is Ms. Hanks… really still alive?” Matthew’s eyes widened. He was stammering. Max glanced at him coldly as he said, “Did you not recognize her at the hospital?” Matthew lowered his head, “I did find her familiar back there.” “She said that she had narrowly escaped death and was in a coma for two years, and that she only regained her memories a year ago. However, she did not mention anything about the incident back then.” Max had spent the entire afternoon spaced out in the office ever since he returned from the hospital. He still kept the phone and necklace that she had dropped near the abandoned chemical processing plant. What exactly had she gone through? … Matthew did not know what to say. All he did was listen. Max waved his hand and signaled for Matthew to leave. He then called Sandra White after Matthew left the office. Sandra picked up the call on the second ring. Sandra’s indignant voice rang out from the other side of the line, “Hello, Max. Are you finally done with your work?” “Matthew said that your fracture is quite serious. There was just too much to do in the office today. I really can’t free up the time.” Max’s voice was low and cold. It was as devoid of emotion as he was. But Sandra convinced herself that there was care and concern in Max’s voice and replied, “Max, I know that you are busy and that you really want to be here with me for my surgery.” “Are you in a lot of pain?” “Yes, it’s really painful.” “Then rest for a few months before you go back to acting. You have to rest. Don’t abuse your body.” Max’s tone did not change throughout the conversation. However, Sandra was very touched, “Alright, I’ll listen to you. I’ll rest for the next three months. You’re such a good man, Max.” “Alright. I’ll make a public announcement to postpone our marriage until your leg recovers.” “Max, no. There’s no need. My leg won’t affect our wedding…” Sandra became flustered when she heard that the wedding was going to be postponed. Max coldly interrupted her, “How could it not affect the wedding? You have to rest. It’s decided. Rest well. Max Gaston’s wife must be the most perfect woman.” “But my parents have…” “I’ll tell your parents about it.” Max hung up. His expression turned a shade darker. … 1587 was a prestigious members-only restaurant in Sheares. It was not a large place. However, every inch of the place was exquisitely decorated and cozy. In a room on the second floor. Max spotted Mary already seated behind the round table the moment he opened the door. She was wearing a light-colored dress tonight. Her hair was slightly curled and fell to her shoulders. She was wearing only light make-up but was beautiful enough to attract anyone’s attention. “Max, you’re late.” Mary smiled faintly when she saw him walking over. There was a shimmer in Max’s eyes. He seated himself and said flatly, “There was a bit of traffic. What do you want to eat?” “The same as last time.” Mary looked down at her cup. She had countless memories in this restaurant. “Alright.” Max called for the server and ordered a list of dishes. He did it so naturally, it was as though the five years had not passed. Instead, it felt like they had just come here just days ago. Mary asked calmly before the dishes arrived, “Max, do you know that Paul has been taken in by the police?” Max had just lifted the jug and was about to fill Mary’s cup. He looked up. His expression grew dark. Mary saw the coldness in Max’s eyes and clenched her fist under the table. She had to get Max out of the police station. She met his gaze and continued to ask calmly, “Max, were you injured?” “Why?” Max finally spoke. Max had a cynical smile, “You’re trying to get me to release Paul if I’m not injured, right?” “Yes.” Mary smiled. She did not avert her gaze. “Let Paul go this once if he did not hurt you.” “Give me a reason!” The aura around him instantly became chilly. Max stared into Mary’s eyes with a deep, dark gaze. “You returned to the country because of him. You are only acknowledging me because of him. You are doing all this so that I will let him off. At the very least, you have to give me a good reason to let him go, right?” Gloom filled the room. A few moments passed. Mary suddenly laughed. However, her eyes did not reflect her smile. “What if I told you that you were why I nearly lost my life five years ago, and that Paul was the person who saved me… Is that reason enough?” “Mary Hanks.” Max called her by her full name. She was truly capable. She had disappeared for five years but managed to anger him twice in half a day when she returned. Mary met Max’s anger head-on, “Max, are you doubting my words? Or are you unwilling to let Paul off?” “I can let him off. But on one condition.” “What’s the condition?” “You must never disappear again.” “Alright. I promise you.” That request was too simple. She came back for revenge and wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon. Max did not ask her why Paul wanted to kill him. He either did not know or did not dare to mention it because he was guilty. Mary did not mull over this. There was a lot of time, she did not have to care about that for now. The meal that followed was relatively pleasant. Max was not one to talk a lot while he was eating. His request to Mary in the past was to not speak during meal times. Max did not ask for Mary’s opinion when they left 1587. He brought her to the parking lot and opened the door to the front passenger seat, then asked her to get in. Mary shook her head and said coldly, “Max, I’ll sit in the back.” Max knitted his brows and retorted, “Sit in front. I don’t have the habit of being someone’s chauffeur.” She had always sat beside him at the front of the car when they were together back then. Now, it was time to draw the line with him. Mary saw a pink hair clip on the front passenger seat. She suddenly laughed. Her smile was vibrant, even if it might have lacked sincerity. “Max, you already have a fiancée. I don’t want any tongues to wag.” She reached out to open the back door of the car after she spoke. She had not even touched the handle when the man beside her suddenly grabbed her wrist. He forcefully pulled her back, then pushed her into the front of the car. Her slender body was forced in. Her back hurt. She did not have the time to struggle before the man’s imposing figure enveloped her. The atmosphere was a little strange. Mary’s heart was thumping wildly. She shouted firmly, “Max!” She could not see Max’s expression well in the darkness. She was being assaulted by Max’s familiar breath. The scene of her being violated by him on that night five years ago suddenly surfaced in her head. She became flustered. She tried to push him away. However, Max forced her hand back against her chest. She could feel his body heat beside her ears. His voice was deep. Sensual. It felt as though her heart had been gripped by a large hand. “I remember that you didn’t go home that night. You haven’t told me where exactly you went. Hm?”

Chapter 5: Infiltrating the Gaston Group Alone Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio Mary felt suffocated. She averted Max’s gaze and could only hear herself rigidly ask, “Max, I don’t know what you’re talking about? Let me go first. We can’t talk like this.” Mary felt her ears burn under the tense atmosphere. Max bit his lips sexily. He stared at her with a sharp gaze. It was as if he wanted to see through her lies. Mary looked down for a moment. She then stubbornly looked up and straight into Max’s eyes. She suddenly felt the heat around her wrist disappear. Max had let go of her. He walked around the car and went into the driver’s seat. Mary insisted on sitting at the back. Max did not chase her out of the car. Mary knew that he wanted to bring her to the Hanks residence, her home. The garden of the villa was well maintained. The rooms were also clean. “Here are the keys.” Max handed Mary the keys to the villa after they entered the living room. He had given Mary this villa as a gift on the night before her 18th birthday. Back then, the Hanks had gone bankrupt and the villa had been purchased by someone else. Mary did not know when Max repurchased the villa. She only remembered that she had been moved to tears when she stepped foot into the villa on that night. Max looked at Mary without much emotion as they stood in the living room. He said calmly, “People have tried to purchase this villa during the past five years.” Mary remained silent. Max’s voice rang out again two minutes later, “Back then, Sandra had a miscarriage a few days after you went missing.” Mary looked down. She tightened her grip around the keys. … The next morning. Mary received a call from Priscilla Johnson. “Mary, my brother is home. He told me to inform you.” “I see.” Mary was standing in front of a glass counter and eyeing the porridge in the pot. Everyone described Max as unfeeling and cold-blooded. However, Max had always been a man of his word. He naturally had his ways to release Paul Johnson without any issue since he promised to let Paul Johnson off. “He also got me to tell you that he’ll go visit Jason when the swelling on his face subsides.” “Get him to tend to his injuries well and take good care of Rebecca.” Mary brought Jason along to a kindergarten and registered him with the school after breakfast. The school was in the neighborhood. Jason was good-looking and very glib. He had pleased the two young teachers there until they were all smiles in less than five minutes. He was already friends with all the teachers in the school after half an hour. The teachers even passionately requested for Jason to remain in the school to play after Mary was done with the registration. Mary did not leave Jason in the school. Priscilla sent her a message saying that she was waiting for them at the school gate. It was ten-thirty in the morning. Priscilla brought Mary and Jason to the office building where their company was. They were surrounded by the workers the moment they entered the office. Though they had been having weekly meetings online, the employees still exclaimed in shock when they saw their boss in person. “My God, Mary, you must be an angel, right?” “Mary, I can guarantee that you’ll instantly surpass Sandra White in popularity if you get into the entertainment industry.” “I officially announce that you’re my idol.” “Please contain yourselves, all of you. Our adorable Jason is also here.” “…” Mary waited for everyone to be done with their praises and teasing. She then said with a smile, “I’ll be working alongside all of you in person from today. I’ll give you guys some more time to prepare. We’ll see each other in the meeting room next Monday morning.” Everyone responded with immense excitement. Priscilla smiled as she pointed to the office at the side, then said, “Mary, your office is over there.” Mary’s office was not very large. However, she could see the building of the Gaston Group on the other side when she stood in front of the full window. The building beside the Gaston Group was Galaxy Theatre. It belonged to the Whites. Mary’s office only occupied one of the levels of the building they were in. The office was called “Mary Co.”. “Mary, is the office to your liking?” Priscilla walked to the front of the window and handed Mary a cup of warm water. Mary received the cup and leaned half her body on the window. She took a sip, then cradled the cup in her hand as she asked casually, “Priscilla, how many fans do we have now?” “Our total fan count is nine million, which means that we have at least three million fans if we assume that all of them are subscribed to all three of our platforms. However, not all three platforms may have the same batch of fans. Taking that into account, I think that we have about five million fans.” Priscilla paused for a moment, then said softly, “Mary, the thing that you mentioned back then, that we can do only when our fan count surpasses five million. Can we do it now?” Mary smiled emotionlessly. There was a hint of coldness that did not fit the season in Mary’s eyes. She answered, “There’s no rush. Are there any of Sandra’s fans in our company?” Priscilla shook her head, “No.” She had made this a question in the interview process. The two women were just chatting when someone cracked open the door of the office. Jason probed his little head into the room. He said with a soft, sweet voice, “Mum, I want some ice cream from the first floor. May I?” Jason had seen the ice cream shop when they were coming up. Priscilla smiled, then took over the conversation, “Mary, you have a rest. I’ll bring Jason down.” “Alright.” Mary nodded, then instructed Jason, “Don’t run around. Listen to Aunt Priscilla.” “I will, Mum.” Mary accessed the laptop on the table and familiarized herself with it. She then clicked on the news of the past few days. The webpage showed Max and Sandra’s wedding photos. A special gift had to be given on a special day. She then accessed the back-end system of a public account. She opened a saved image. There were several images in the folder that she had saved for five years. She had always been waiting for an opportunity. She opened the image. One image was of Sandra’s pregnancy test back then. Another was a miscarriage report. And another was… … In the ice cream shop on the first floor. Both Priscilla and Jason each had a cup of ice cream in hand. Jason ate happily. He was asking a slew of questions while he ate. Priscilla choked on her ice cream and could not stop coughing when Jason asked, “Aunt Priscilla, do you have a boyfriend? If you don’t, why don’t I be your boyfriend?” A spoonful of strawberry ice cream dripped onto her white skirt. Jason immediately helped her wipe the stain with a piece of tissue. He was so fast that Priscilla could not stop him. The next moment, there was a pink patch on the skirt. There was an apologetic glimmer in his beautiful, large eyes. He said, “I’m sorry, Aunt Priscilla. Why don’t you go and wash it off in the washroom? You can still get rid of the stains if you wash it now.” “It’s fine. Let’s go back upstairs now. I’ll wash it upstairs.” “Aunt Priscilla, I don’t want to go back now. I want to finish my ice cream before we go back. You should go and wash it in the washroom now. Otherwise, you’ll be laughed at if you go back like that.” “…” Priscilla thought about it, then instructed Jason, “Then wait for me here. I’ll be back soon.” “Alright, I’ll eat slowly and wait for you. I don’t have money on me. You mustn’t run away.” Priscilla nodded with a smile, then picked up her handbag and went to the washroom. Jason looked as her figure disappeared into the hall. He then ate two more mouthfuls of ice cream before sneaking out of the ice cream shop. He crossed the road and arrived at the reception area of the Gaston Group. He pushed his sunglasses up onto his head to reveal his handsome and adorable little face. His childish tone could not be disguised even if he pretended to be calm and mature. He said to the receptionist, “Beautiful lady, please get Max Gaston to come and see me.”

Chapter 6: His Ancestor Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio The receptionist heard the voice and saw Jason when she turned around. The next second, her eyes widened and her mouth hung agape. He was a small replica of the CEO. However, the CEO was getting married only next month, and he didn’t have a child with Miss White. Why did he look so much like the CEO? As the receptionist was lost in thought, Jason narrowed his eyes unhappily and urged curtly, “Hurry up and get Max to see me. I have something very important to tell him.” “You have to tell me what your relationship with Max is before I can help you.” Not only did Jason look like a small version of the CEO, but his imposing manner also set him apart from the average child. The receptionist quickly walked up to him and bent down to hear his answer. Jason lifted his chin. “I’m his ancestor.” “…” Seeing that he had the receptionist’s attention, he said with a cool voice, “Just tell him that his ancestor is here and get him to come out immediately. If I wait too long, I’ll make him pay.” Yesterday afternoon, Jason had used his phone to do some research. The man who looked like him was called Max. He had even checked his identity and company address. He had been wondering how to find him. Today, he found out that his company was only one street away from his mother’s office building, so, he deliberately asked for ice cream. After dirtying Priscilla’s clothes, he took the chance to run here to find Max. The receptionist stared at this ‘ancestor’. A few seconds later, she made her decision. “Please wait a moment. Our CEO, Max, is in a meeting. I’ll call the secretary to pick you up and bring you to the CEO’s office.” She picked up the phone and called Chief Secretary Lily. Jason waited for just two minutes. Another beautiful woman rushed over in her high heels. When she saw him, she was as shocked as the receptionist had been. However, she collected herself quickly and was very polite. “Hi, I will bring you to see the CEO.” Jason observed their attitudes toward him and thought they must be afraid of him, and wanted to flatter him. So he put on an air of arrogance. He raised his head and nodded. He didn’t speak and didn’t even look at Lily. Lily reached out to hold his hand, but he dodged it. He was here to settle a score with Max, so he could not be treated like a child. He had to establish his authority. He said arrogantly, “I don’t like being touched by strangers.” Lily didn’t get angry, but forced a smile and replied, “Understood.” She thought to herself, “He is really a miniature replica of the CEO. He must be his illegitimate son.” The CEO would be marrying the movie star, Sandra, next month. This was definitely not Sandra’s child. If he were, she would have announced it to the press and made headlines. As Lily walked towards the CEO’s office, she asked, “What’s your name?” “Jason Hanks,” answered Jason without so much a glance at her. “What a nice name!” His last name was Hanks, following his mother. She quickly searched through her memory. Among the wealthy families in Sheares, there were no Hanks, let alone a lady with such a name. “Lily, whose child is this?” Matthew asked. Lily, whose head had been lowered while talking to Jason, looked at Matthew and then at Jason. She froze. Even Matthew, the personal assistant to the CEO, who was with him 24/7, did not know that the CEO had an illegitimate child? Jason had been hidden so well. It seemed like the CEO was afraid that Sandra would find out? After taming her curiosity, she bit her lips and walked over to Matthew. She lowered her voice and said, “The CEO’s illegitimate child is here. Matthew, bring him to see the CEO. Don’t let anyone know.” Matthew had yet to take a proper look at the child Hearing that, he turned to the boy. With one look, he was dumbfounded. How… how was this possible? Sandra had a miscarriage five years ago, and their CEO had only one woman. No, to be precise, their CEO and Sandra were together for only that night. It happened because their CEO had fallen into the competitor’s trap and had come to harm. However, this boy was basically a smaller version of the CEO. Where on earth did he come from? Could it be that the CEO’s sperm had been stolen? Although Lily was extremely curious, she did not dare to ask about the CEO’s illegitimate son. She was afraid of being silenced. Thus, she bent over and said to Jason, “I will take my leave now. Please follow this man to meet the CEO. He’s called Matthew.” Then she left as quickly as possible. … Back in the office, Mary Hanks had just clicked the save button with her slender finger when the door was suddenly pushed open. Priscilla rushed in, crying, “Mary, I lost Jason. I’m sorry. What ever shall I do? I lost him!” When Mary heard the news, her expression changed drastically as she stood up. However, she willed herself to calm down. She couldn’t afford to panic. She said calmly, “Priscilla, don’t cry. Calm down and tell me the details.” Priscilla recounted how she had gone to the bathroom to clean her clothes and lost Jason. After listening to her story, Mary’s worry gradually subsided. She retrieved some tissue paper and handed it to Priscilla. “Priscilla, I’m heading out for a while.” “Mary, I’ll go with you to look for Jason.” Priscilla wiped her tears and said, “I’ll call my brother and ask him to help us search. If we can’t find him, we should call the police.” “There’s no need to call the police.” Mary shook her head and frowned. “Did Jason use your phone yesterday?” “Yes, he used it yesterday afternoon. Is that related?” “Okay, wait for me. I’ll explain it to you when I’m back. Don’t call the police or tell Paul for now.” “I can follow you to…” Before Priscilla could finish, Mary patted her shoulder and said, “It’s alright. Just wait for me here. Maybe Jason will come back by himself. Just update me.” … In the CEO’s office on the top floor of the Gaston Group, a man and a child stared at each other. Matthew had left after he sent Jason in front of Max and led Jason to sit on the sofa opposite the door. After all, this was the CEO’s private affair. As an assistant, he should make himself scarce and stand outside the door to keep guard against intruders. Max suppressed his internal shock and broke the ice to ask the child, who was staring wide-eyed at him, “What’s your name?” Jason rolled his eyes upwards. He felt that he lacked authority when seated on the sofa – he was even shorter than Max’s table. From his position, he had to lift his head to see Max, who was seated on the chair. So he stood up, putting his hands on his hips. He then raised his chin and snorted coldly, “You don’t know my name, but I know yours. You are Max. How dare you undergo plastic surgery based on my face? Now, you even pretend to not know my name. Do you think that you can mess with me because I’m young and inexperienced?” Even though he had a childish voice, it sounded rather intimidating. “Plastic surgery?” Max was confused. He frowned and crossed his legs, but he was not angry. “If not for plastic surgery, why do you look like me? You couldn’t have inherited it from me. Don’t think you can outwit me!” Jason was not afraid of this man before him, because he knew that he was the authentic one, while the man was just a fake. He stared at Max, waiting for his reaction. Max smiled. It was a genuine smile. He coaxed Jason. Even his voice became gentler. “Tell me your name, and I’ll tell you whether I did plastic surgery or inherited this face from you. Deal?” “My name is Jason Hanks.” “Jason Hanks,” Max repeated. His name was Jason Hanks. His last name was Hanks. Max stared at Jason and thought that he looked exactly like himself. The expression on his face did not change, but something stirred within him. That chaotic night five years ago surfaced in his mind. He was supposed to celebrate Mary Hanks’s 18th birthday, but was shot and injured. Little did he know, the bullet had been laced with a drug. Then, a girl appeared.

Chapter 7: His Little Replica Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio The lady had vaguely looked like Mary. He wouldn’t have done it under usual circumstances, but he hadn’t been able to control his lust. He said that he would be take responsibility, before acting on his desires. The next day, when he woke up, he was lying in the hospital. Sandra was beside him. The love bites on her body were too obvious. She cried and said that he had had sex with her when he had been injured last night. She had been so scared. Max had asked Matthew to check the surveillance camera, but it had been damaged that night. He had to fulfill his promise to be responsible to Sandra. Pursing his thin lips, he looked at Jason and asked calmly, “What’s your mother’s name?” When Jason heard this question, he stared at him for a few seconds. He thought for a moment and had a new idea. Jason didn’t answer, but asked Max, “Do you have a lot of money?” Max was surprised and nodded. “Of course.” In Sheares, no one had more money than him. Jason’s eyes lit up. “Are you married?” “Not yet.” Jason nodded his head and put on a serious face. “My mother is called Mary. Her name sounds nice, and she’s pretty. Plus, my father died a long time ago, and my mother is still unmarried. Since you have a lot of money and look like me, no matter how you got your face, I shall allow you to pursue her.” The only thing Max heard was that his mother’s name was Mary. Mary. Max could no longer remain calm. His long fingers slowly clenched into fists. The cell phone on the nearby desk suddenly rang. The jarring sound broke the silence. Max glanced at Jason, stood up, and walked to the desk. ‘Mary’ flashed on the screen of the cellphone. He stared at the name and kept silent for a few seconds before he pressed the answer button with his long fingers. He opened his thin lips slightly and said a word with an emotionless tone, “Hello.” Mary’s voice sounded through the phone. “Max, are you in the office?” Max glanced at Jason’s beautiful eyes and answered casually, “Yes.” “I need to talk to you. I’m downstairs.” Mary had already asked the receptionist if Jason was here. She only called to check if Max had met Jason. She did not plan to hide Jason forever. She knew that Max would meet him sooner or later. “Come up.” Max hung up after that. He had turned on the speaker on purpose. Jason’s eyes widened when heard his mother’s voice at the other end of the line. Jason pointed at Max, shock clearly written all over his face. “How… how do you know my mother? She even called your name. Are you also my uncle?” Also? Max narrowed his eyes at that word. “Who else is your uncle?” “Paul Johnson.” Jason tilted his head again and mumbled to himself, “How many brothers does mom have? You can’t be my father, but you could be my uncle. No wonder you know my face well enough for your plastic surgery.” “So he is my uncle,” Jason thought to himself. Although his mother had never mentioned anything about him, he was sure that Max knew what he looked like. He must have undergone surgery as he was jealous of his looks. Max must have been very ugly in the past. Paul, on the other hand, had not undergone such a procedure. Seeing that Jason was convinced that he had gone under the knife, Max said seriously, “I didn’t have plastic surgery. Also, it’s not that I look like you, but that you look like me.” “Why?” Jason frowned. Max said calmly, “I’ll tell you another time.” Mary arrived very quickly. When she called, she had been on the first floor of the building. She had also turned on the speaker for the receptionist. Their CEO let her in. Under the shocked gaze of the receptionist, Mary headed for Max’s office but was stopped by Matthew. After Mary said she had permission to enter from Max himself, Matthew asked Mary to wait for a second as he went into the office for confirmation. A moment later, the door opened from inside. Matthew said with a smile, “Please come in.” After Mary went in, Matthew left and closed the door. Max walked forward and looked at Mary, focused and intimidating. Mary looked at the man standing in front of her. She smiled and called him naturally, “Max.” He interposed himself between Mary and Jason to block her view of Jason. However, just as she finished speaking, a tender hand was placed on Max’s left leg. Jason’s pleasant voice came from behind him, “Mom.” Mary lowered her head and saw her son. She bent down, patted Jason on the head, and stood up. Her gaze met Max’s for a split second. His gaze was full of sadness. Then Max narrowed his eyes and walked towards the sofa. Jason hugged Mary’s leg and asked, “Mom, why didn’t you tell me that I have another uncle?” Uncle? Mary was stunned for a second because she had never told Jason that Max was his uncle. After a second, she realized that Jason must have misunderstood his relationship with Max when she addressed Max so directly over the phone. She smiled at Jason and held his little hand before walking towards the sofa. She lowered her head and gently explained, “Because this uncle is too busy. Mom hasn’t been in contact with him for a long time, so I didn’t tell you.” “I see,” Jason said with a smile on his face. Jason never doubted her mother’s words. He smiled and said, “Mom, I forgive you. Can I come here to visit this uncle in the future?” “You scared Priscilla to tears when you snuck out, you know?” Mary’s smile faltered as she looked at her son, avoiding his question. Suddenly, Matthew’s voice came from the office door. “Sir, you call me?” Max stood in front of the sofa and glanced coldly at Mary. He said calmly, “Matthew will bring Jason to have a bite. I need to talk to you.” “Uncle, won’t you join me?” Jason pouted and asked Max with eager eyes. However, Max didn’t answer. He kept his gaze fixed on Mary. Mary hesitated for a second before gently coaxing Jason to go with Matthew. She told Jason she would look for him with his uncle later. Max narrowed his eyes at ‘uncle’. After Jason left with Matthew, the office fell silent. “If Jason doesn’t come to my company, would you have never told me about his existence?” Max asked coldly. Mary answered with a smile, “Of course not. I planned to introduce Jason to you when I’ve managed to free up some time in the next few days.” “What if you couldn’t?” Max asked as he walked towards her. Mary felt a powerful aura approaching her. She panicked for a moment, but quickly calmed herself down. She had thought of the different reactions that Max would have when he found out about Jason. Fortunately, she had expected the current scenario. She turned her eyes from Max, lowered her head, and considered his words seriously. A few seconds later, she looked up at Max again and said sincerely, “If I really could not free up time, I would have brought Jason to your wedding.” The moment she finished speaking, her chin was suddenly grabbed by Max’s large hand. His other hand grabbed her waist and pulled her into his arms. Her slender and soft body pressed tightly against his strong figure. Max’s hot breath brushed against her ear. Then, coolly, he asked the most provocative question, “Mary, why does your son look like me? Won’t you explain it to me?” The question flustered her. She didn’t know how to answer him. “Didn’t you hear what Jason called you?” The man just laughed. The next second, he lifted her chin and bent down to kiss her lips.

Chapter 8: She is Still Alive Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio The kiss was completely unexpected. She was dumbfounded. She couldn’t make any sense of Max’s actions. Her mind was a blank. She just stared at Max in wide-eyed shock. Max kissed her with unusual fervor. It was rough and unrestrained as if absorbing her into himself. This lasted for over two minutes. Just as she was about to run out of breath, he released her. Mary’s body had been stiff throughout. Max had a tight hold of her waist and chin. “You lied yesterday, right? Being in a coma, having amnesia. All that you mentioned yesterday were all because of Jason. You wanted to hide him from me, right?” Max spoke in a hoarse voice. He was confident that he was right. Mary didn’t explain. She thought there was no need to. Her son was already four years old. She had raised him by herself for four years. During all those years, she hadn’t gone out with any man. Other than that night when she had physical relations with Max, she had not had any intimate contact with anyone else, much less a kiss. After she heard his question, her mind was in a mess. She didn’t know how to answer him. Max waited for her response, but Mary didn’t speak. He thought he had asked something sensitive. He believed that Jason was his son and it was time to clarify what happened that night. Thus, he tightened his grip on her waist and chin. The heat from his palm seeped through Mary’s clothes, emanating on the soft skin at her waist. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Max asked with a stern voice. “Max.” Mary stared mockingly at Max’s handsome face and said slowly, “Let go of me.” Real anger appeared in Max’s eyes. He gritted his teeth and said, “I believe Jason is my son. Do you want me to take him for a paternity test before you admit he is my son? You must have be the one with me that night!” “You used the wrong word.” Mary sneered, “You shouldn’t say ‘one’. That night, I wasn’t the only one who slept with you. Don’t you know that?” “No, that’s impossible. I saw only you that night. If not, tell me what happened back then. Tell me what I should know.” Max suppressed his anger and controlled his strength. Mary frowned in pain. “Max, let go of me.” Max finally let go of her chin, but his hand remained on her waist. Their bodies were pressed against each other. Although the strange feelings stirring within her was diluted by anger, it still made Mary uncomfortable. Mary raised her hand and gently touched the chin that had been pinched by him. She said in an impassive voice, “That was an accident. I’ve learnt to let it go. Max, you don’t need to concern yourself with it anymore. You can be Jason’s uncle if you want.” “Do you think that’s possible? Letting my son call me ‘uncle’?” Max laughed in anger. Mary sensed the coldness in his laugh and replied provocatively, “Why is it impossible? Do you want to take Jason away from me and make Sandra his stepmother? Max, let me make this clear. I brought Jason back not for you to take him away or for him to call someone else mom.” Mary paused for a second. She added, “If he wants a father, I’ll marry someone and find a father for him.” “How dare you!” Max looked at Mary with a scowl. She wanted to marry another man and find a stepfather for Jason? “Of course I can. Actually, there is a man I’ve liked all these years. Furthermore, he hasn’t been in a relationship for a long time. He hasn’t even held another woman’s hand. He’s waiting for me.” Max’s face was drained of all color. He stared at her with dark and sharp eyes, and enunciated each word carefully, “I won’t find a stepmother for Jason, and I won’t allow you to find a stepfather for Jason. Also, stop telling him that his father is dead.” He stressed the last sentence. It was a warning. Earlier, Jason had said that his father had died a long time ago. Max calmed himself down and said, “If you don’t want to bring Jason back to the Gastons’ residence, you can stay at your house with him. You’ve seen the villa and you can move in anytime.” “Sure.” Mary agreed. Max narrowed his eyes. That was her home. Although he had bought the villa for her, when she thought of the circumstances surrounding her parent’s deaths, she felt that she was not at all indebted to Max. Mary’s phone rang. She glanced at Max. She took out her phone, and seeing the caller ID, her eyes brightened. She picked it up in front of him. “Hello.” “Mary, are you free tonight? Let’s have dinner together.” A clear male voice sounded from the phone. Max, who was only two steps away, could not hear the contents clearly but he knew it was a man’s voice. His handsome face darkened. He recalled the man she had mentioned. The man who was waiting for her. Mary’s voice was soft and pleasant. “I have a dinner party with my colleagues tonight. Maybe another day.” “Okay.” They chatted for a while before ending the call. Seeing Max stare at her with a dark expression, she said calmly, “Max, I’m going back to work.” “Mary Co.?” Max asked her tentatively. He had known about Mary Co. before, but he had never expected it to actually be her company. He had guessed that Mary might be working near the Gaston Group. Otherwise, Jason wouldn’t have came here from Mary’s office. Mary admitted frankly, “Yes.” “Alright. Wait for me after work.” Max had already calmed down. His anger had subsided, and he returned to his usual indifference. Even his tone was calm. Mary walked to the door and looked back at Max who was a few meters away. His gaze was still on her. She blinked and said calmly, “Don’t tell Jason that you’re his father.” Max felt a little agitated. “Why?” Mary replied, “Because he saw your wedding photo with Sandra. Max, I hope you don’t ruin my son’s image of his father.” With that, she left the office without looking back. In the office, Max closed his eyes and then opened them again. There was nothing but coldness. … In the hospital’s VIP ward. Sandra stared at the photo on her phone for a few seconds. Her face darkened as she flung the phone to the floor. She gritted her teeth and said, “It’s true. Mary is still alive.” It had been five years. For the past five years, she had always believed that Mary had been blown to pieces that night. No, it exploded after she had been played with by the men. However, she didn’t die and even brought back a bastard child. Has she brought Jason to meet Max? At this thought, Sandra’s blood ran cold and she panicked. What if Max believed Mary’s words? “Hand me the phone.” She ordered her assistant. “Miss White, your phone is broken. Please use mine.” Disdain flashed across Sandra’s eyes. However, this was an urgent matter. She had no choice but to use her assistant’s phone first. She then placed her SIM card into the device. After quickly dialing a number, Sandra calmed herself down. The call was picked up immediately, and the gentle voice of a middle-aged woman came through. “Hello, Sandra. I just came out of the elevator. I’ll be reaching your ward soon.” Two minutes later, Sofia Garcia, Max’s mother, was sitting in front of the hospital bed. She held Sandra’s hand and asked with concern, “Sandra, what did the doctor say? You need to rest for a long time, right?” Sandra thought of what Max had said about delaying the wedding date indefinitely. A plan came to her mind. Shaking her head, she smiled and said, “Mrs. Gaston, it’s not that serious. I can be discharged and recuperate at home now.” Sofia asked, “Really?” With an agenda in mind, Sandra replied, “Yes, but my mother has been very busy preparing my dowry for me. I don’t want to go home and inconvenience her.”

Chapter 9: Are You Married? Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio “This is simple, isn’t it? You’re staying with us. Anyway, you and Max are getting married in a month or so. When the time comes, you can just go home a couple of days early.” Sandra felt a little bad, “Sofia, that would be too much trouble for you.” “No trouble at all! I’ve been hoping for a long time that you would marry Max and give birth to a big, fat grandson for me.” At this point, Sofia fell silent for a moment. Then she spoke again, with her voice even softer than before, “You had a miscarriage because you were too tired from work. The next time you’re pregnant, you must not work that hard ever again! You must take a good rest instead.” “Sofia, it was my fault to begin with. I thought I was young enough, that there wouldn’t be any problem. Otherwise, my child with Max would be four now.” Sofia let out a laugh as she lowered her head to hide the flash of emotion in her eyes. When she raised her head, there was nothing but doting love and care in them. “When you’re pregnant, I, too, will look after you.” Half an hour passed. The assistant had completed the discharge procedures for Sandra. Sofia wheeled her down the stairs and got into the car. When they arrived at the Gastons’, Sofia had Sandra directed into the living room and ordered the maid to get the room ready. As she picked up a fruit and handed it to Sandra, Sandra asked, seemingly offhandedly, “Sofia, do you know if Mary is still alive?” “What did you say?” The apple in Sofia’s hand fell onto the coffee table and rolled down to the floor. 　　—— Mary Co. As business ended for the day, Priscilla found her way into Mary’s office, “Mary, the Garcia Group called and said they would like to cooperate with us, but I have already turned them down.” Mary looked up from her LCD screen, “Garcia, the aromatherapy business?” “Yep,” Priscilla replied. The Garcias of Sheares. That was Sofia’s maternal family. The Garcia Group had always been focused on aromatherapy products. The expression on Mary’s delicate face stiffened as her hand gripped the mouse with increasing intensity. After a moment of silence, her cool, indifferent voice sounded, “What are the specific requirements, and what is the schedule for the collaboration?” “Mary?” Priscilla looked at Mary in amazement. Thinking that she might have been out of the loop all these years overseas, Priscilla tried to explain to her, “The Garcia Group’s aromatherapy products are endorsed by Sandra.” Mary sneered, her watery eyes were cold. “I know.” Priscilla stared at Mary for a few more seconds without further objection, “They want to ride the wave of Sandra and Max’s wedding next month, and have their products up on all our online channels and platforms by then.” Mary leaned back in her chair and said casually, “To ride on the wave… that’s a good idea. Priscilla, tell them to send over some product samples.” “Okay, I’ll let them know.” After Priscilla left, Mary saved the document and shut down her computer. Then, her cell phone rang. It was a voice message from Max, “I’m waiting for you and Jason downstairs.” It was a low, melodic voice. That man seemed to have revied God’s favor in every way, from his background, his looks, his figure, to his temperament. Even his voice was attractive. Mary walked out of the building with Jason and saw Matthew standing in front of a black Phantom on the roadside. From a few meters away, he greeted them in a respectful manner, and held the car door open for them. Jason climbed into the car first. He looked at the magnified version of his handsome face for a few seconds, and gave a cute and polite greeting, “Uncle.” Max smiled a little and reached his hand out, stroking Jason’s head as if he were a puppy. He raised his eyes and looked at Mary, who got in and sat beside Jason. As their eyes met, Mary quickly averted her gaze. Jason was sitting in the middle, with Mary and Max on each side. Along the way, it was mostly Max talking to Jason, and only occasionally did she respond when Jason directed the conversation to Mary. As they were about to reach the Hanks Villa, Mary received a message from Paul, “Mary, I’ll send some people to protect you and Jason. When will you be available?” As she listened to the chat between Max and Jason, she replied, “Not for now, I’ll let you know when I need it.” When they reached the entrance of the villa, a bodyguard opened the gate. The Phantom pulled into the villa, and inside stood five bodyguards. All were dressed smartly in black. More noteworthy, was that they were all familiar faces. Mary, Max and Jason stepped out of the car, and the five bodyguards greeted in unison, “Welcome home, Lady Mary and Master Jason.” Mary turned to look at Max. His features were as perfect as a sculpture, and his expression was cool and composed. He stood there without saying a word, possessing an authoritative aura different from any ordinary man. His noble elegance and gracefulness came naturally. When he saw her looking, he looked back at her with a sideways glance. Their eyes met, and Mary withdrew her gaze. Max said in a soft voice, “From now on, the five of them will keep you and Jason safe. You recognize them, right? If you don’t remember, you can ask them to introduce themselves again.” Mary looked them over one by one, and her eyes halted on the bodyguard in the middle. Her eyes widened slightly as the other man pursed his lips tightly. His eyes were moist. Max saw her staring at the man, his eyes moving slightly as he said coldly, “Back then, it was because he didn’t pick you up that you got into that accident. Then, I got a call that the police found your cell phone and necklace near the chemical plant that exploded.” “Lady Mary, I’m sorry! It’s my incompetence that caused you to get hurt.” With a thud, the bodyguard fell to his knees. His eyes were red as he apologized to Mary. His name was Fred. Back then, he wanted to atone for his sins with his life, but Max stopped him and allowed him to cut off three fingers as repentance. Mary stepped forward to help him up, “Get up, I don’t blame you.” That day, Fred had been tricked. “Lady Mary, I heard that you had suffered a lot over the years. From now on, I, Fred, will devote myself to protecting you and Master Jason. If you were to suffer even the slightest harm, I will cut my throat.” Fred raised his hand to make a vow. In the past few years, he had been looking for Mary everywhere, But after searching all over Sheares, and even the entire country, there was no trace of her at all. It was only yesterday that Fred had been recalled from out of state by Max. Mary’s heart was warmed by what he had done. Fred used to have a good relationship with her. Although Max spoiled her and indulged her all those years, she did not have the slightest haughtiness or arrogance, whether to Max’s subordinates or to the servants in the house. She nodded lightly, “Will do.” Jason, who had been watching and listening, blinked and suddenly spoke up in his cute voice, “Uncle, you cut your fingers for my mom. You must be a very good person to her. What’s your name, are you married?” “Jason.” Max’s eyebrows raised as he called him. Jason looked up at him with a grin on his face and said, “Uncle, I like this tough guy. What’s his name?” “Master Jason, my name is Fred.” Fred was a good-looking man, and his personality was not entirely dull. Back in those days, he was the one who had been with Mary for most frequently and for the longest duration. Jason went over and took the remaining ring finger and pinky on Fred’s hand and said, “Uncle Fred, after Uncle Max, you treat my mom the best… Hey, Uncle, what are you doing? Put me down!” Max had grabbed Jason by the collar, ignoring his cries, lifted him up, and headed for the living room.

Chapter 10: Is That Really All There Is to It? Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio Fred looked at the figure of Max carrying Jason, utterly confused. He asked worriedly, “Lady Mary, Sir wouldn’t hurt Max, would he?” Mary smiled and said, “I’ll go in to have a look.” She could roughly guess why Max had suddenly carried Jason and left. Ever since he knew that his father had died, Jason’s greatest wish had been to find a new husband for Mary. The wish that Jason had made for his past two birthdays was for a new father who would take care of his mother. Mary felt very guilty when she thought about that. She had let Jason down in that regard. In the living room. Jason put his hands on his waist and stared at Max the moment he was let down, “Uncle, why did you carry me away? I’m a strong man. Please don’t carry me and go as you please in the future, got it?” Jason had wanted to skip the ‘please’. However, he changed his mind when he saw the darkened expression on Max’s face. Furthermore, Max was his uncle after all. Jason somehow felt a little intimidated. Max pointed to the sofa. Jason pouted and obediently climbed onto it. He then looked at Max and said, “Uncle.” “What were your intentions when you asked Fred Gaston whether he’s married?” Max asked. The expression on Max’s face was still dark. His voice was low, authoritative, and very scary. Jason replied nonchalantly, “I want to find a good man to be my father and protect Mom.” Max could feel his head throb. He remembered what Mary said about forbidding him to tell Jason about who he really was. He took a deep breath, then said, “Next time, you are not to ask people if they are married or not. You are not to allow them to woo your mother.” Jason knitted his brows, displeased, “Why?” “Because those men are not worthy of your mother,” Max responded. Max paused after he said that. In the end, he could not bear to be that stern toward Jason. His expression relaxed as he crouched down to Jason’s height. He enunciated every syllable in a low, yet gentle voice, “Jason, in the future, I will take care of you and your mother. There’s no need for anyone else.” “But I know that you’re about to get married,” Jason said. Jason remembered the publicity about Max on the Internet and rolled his eyes unhappily. He had only chosen not to expose Max when Max told him that he was not married back then. Max replied, “Those are all rumors.” “What?” Jason exclaimed, not fully believing Max. He continued, “Are those really rumors? Uncle, you’re not going to marry a woman called Sandra White?” Jason did not like that woman. He had not liked her from the first time he saw her. Max’s expression did not change, “No.” “Then, you will be with me and Mom forever?” Jason asked. “Yes,” Max replied. At the porch. Mary, who had just walked in, happened to catch the last two sentences of their conversation. Then, she heard Jason say, “Uncle Paul doesn’t even video call us much anymore after he got married. You’ll forget about us too if you get married. Don’t worry, I won’t let you remain unmarried all your life. You may get married after I grow up and am able to protect Mom.” Jason pursed his lips after he said that. There was a pitiful tone in his innocent voice when he continued, “Mom has it too hard. She has to work and take care of me— Those brats say that I’m an illegitimate child. Mom would also be harassed by men from time to time.” Children from single-parent families often matured at a young age. However, Jason lost his usual suaveness and charisma when he thought about his mother’s hardships. He now looked more like his age. Max looked at Jason, his eyes a little red. He felt like his heart had been wrenched. He held Jason’s arms, then said softly, “In the future, I’ll not let you and your mother suffer any insult at all.” He pressed Jason’s head into his embrace, then looked to the side and called for Mary, who was standing at the porch, to come in. Mary bit her lips into a tight line under the warm light. Complicated emotions reflected in her watery eyes. Priscilla Johnson had brought over Mary and Jason’s luggage. Jason asked Max to stay for dinner. Max had barely eaten when his phone, which was placed on the dinner table, rang. It was his mother. He put down his chopsticks and excused himself, then grabbed his phone and left the dining hall. He took the call at the balcony. “Max, come home early tonight,” Sofia Garcia’s voice came from the other end of the line. Max turned his head and looked toward the dining hall, then lowered his voice and asked, “Mother, did something happen?” His mother replied, “Max, I went to visit Sandra at the hospital in the afternoon and brought her back to our home. Don’t stay out too late at night. Come back early and accompany her. She’s injured and she needs you.” Max smiled coldly. His eyes darkened as he said, “Mother, I’ve told her that I’m going to postpone the wedding. I’ll hold a press conference tomorrow—” “What? Postpone the wedding?” Sofia Garcia’s voice grew shrill as she exclaimed, “No, Max, you can’t do that. Sandra is a famous actress. What would the media write about her if you postponed the wedding? What will the fans say?” “The media wouldn’t dare to write nonsense,” Max said, knitting his brows. His voice was cold, not allowing for any rebuttal. “That still won’t do. Sandra has waited for you for five years. Your wedding with her must not be postponed. Max, you must not be irresponsible. Back then, you were a willing party when you got engaged to Sandra. Sandra gave you her body back then. You are no different from a scumbag if you do not marry Sandra now!” Sofia demanded. Her voice got higher as she went on. At the dining table, Jason looked outside as he was eating. He asked, “Mom, why is Uncle taking so long on the phone?” “Uncle has business to settle. Just eat your food and stop looking,” Mary said. “Uncle said that the news on the Internet are rumors. He said that he will not get married. Mom, Uncle will be able to be with us if he does not get married,” Jason said. Max seemed to have completely brought Jason over to his side. Now, Jason’s eyes would be filled with adoration whenever he mentioned Max. Mary felt that Jason’s adoration for Max was rather strange. She said without much emotion, “Jason, Uncle has his own life to live. Your mindset is not good—” “He’s the one who brought it up. He said that he will take care of you and protect you. He said that he will not let any harm come to you. As long as he can do that, I will want him around,” Jason rebutted. He paused for a moment, then asked, “Mom, may I go look for him when I go to the office with you next time?” “Sure,” Mary agreed. She looked down, feeling a little conflicted. Their biological bond was something she could not change. Perhaps Jason liking Max was a good thing. Max would treat Jason well if she one day could not be by his side as he was growing up. — After dinner, Max played with Jason for a little while longer, then brought him to shower, told him a story, and coaxed him to sleep. Max did not leave immediately after Jason fell asleep. Instead, he found Mary at the altar of her parents. He stood beside her and said without much emotion, “Jason is asleep.” Mary slowly turned her head. The warm light accentuated the man’s handsome appearance and noble disposition. She looked into Max’s eyes and asked casually, “Back then, my mother had you look after me, and asked me to listen to you. Say, how could she be so sure that you’d take me in and not leave me to starve and die on the streets?” Max knitted his handsome brows and looked into Mary’s eyes. He said in a cold, deep voice after a momentary silence, “Because I promised her, that I would take care of you.” “…” It sounded reasonable. But was that really all there was to it?